Uses of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems in Microgrids under Unbalanced Inductive Loads and Partial Shading Conditions

Abstract

Superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems are characterized by their high-power density; they are integrated into high-energy density storage systems, such as batteries, to produce hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs), resulting in the increased performance of renewable energy sources (RESs). Incorporating RESs and HESS into a DC bus to obtain a DC microgrid concept is considered a more attractive option for solving system reliability and stability issues. In this paper, we focus on employing SMES systems based on their characteristics of a fast response and high efficiency, which contribute to increased battery lifespan, and reducing the mismatch between the energy supplied by the renewable energy source and the load demand by compensating for the effects of partial shading on the PV system on the DC bus side and the imbalance in loads on the other side of the AC bus. The incremental conductance algorithm (INC) is used for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in the PV system. Fuzzy logic control (FLC) is proposed for the generation of control signals for the DC–DC chopper used to charge/discharge the SMES coil. Simulations using MATLAB/Simulink were then carried out to assess the proposed models of the (standalone and grid) connection systems.